Forest and Rangeland Birds of the United States

Natural History and Habitat Use

Great Blue Heron -- Ardea herodias

RANGE: Breeds from southern Alaska, coastal and southern British Columbia,
southern Keewatin, and central Manitoba east to Nova Scotia and south, except
in high mountains. Winters from southern-coastal Alaska, coastal British Columbia,
central United States, and southern New England south to northern South America.

NEST: Generally nests in colonies, preferably in an isolated patch
of woodland or on an island. Builds nests in the tops of the tallest trees,
live or dead, often above 50 feet, but also in bushes, on rock ledges, sea cliffs,
in tule rushes, and on the ground. In colonies, may build dozens of nests, which
are used repeatedly, in the crown of the same tree. In mixed heronries, typically
nests in highest parts of trees while other heron species occupy lower parts
of same trees. May travel as far as 10 miles from nest sites to foraging areas.

FOOD: Usually stands motionless in shallow water and waits until prey
comes within striking distance. Also forages in wet meadows, pastures, dry fields,
and even along road shoulders and in suburban ponds. Consumes small fishes,
frogs, salamanders, lizards, snakes, shrimp, crabs, crayfish, aquatic and land
insects, leeches, and small mammals.